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Todd Heap visits fans for grand opening of DICK'S Sporting Goods

Ashley Books, Chambersburg
Published 5:26 p.m. ET Aug. 16, 2015

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Todd Heap, former tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, signs an autograph for a young fan during a grand opening event Sunday at DICK'S Sporting Goods in Franklin Center, Chambersburg.(Photo: Ashley Books &#8212; Public Opinion)Buy Photo

Heap arrived at the store in Franklin Center at noon and stayed until 2 p.m., meeting fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Heap said he loves visiting with Ravens fans, because "they made (his) time here in Baltimore so special." Heap said he also enjoys the energy from the fans.

"You meet all different kinds of people, from young to old," Heap said. "So, I think I signed something from somebody 2 years old to 82 years old today. It's really fun and you see what sports does with people. It brings people together from all walks and that's one thing I love about, not only sports, but this country. It's a pastime and people appreciate it and people like to see the players out on the field and then meet them in person. It's pretty cool."

Heap, who played with the Ravens from 2001-12, scored 42 touchdowns in his career.

Bobbie Bardzik, the community marketing manager for DICK's Sporting Goods, said the community has been responsive to Heap's appearance.

"People were excited," Bardzik said. "People wanted to line up as soon as we opened this morning. We didn't allow them to until about 11 a.m. so, by the time we actually started, we had about 200 in line and (we) went through almost 300 people."

In addition to local residents visiting Heap, residents from outside the area came to the event. Cindy Smith, a Ravens fan from Baltimore, heard about it that morning and drove up to meet Heap.

"He's in our Ring of Honor," Smith said. "I love Todd Heap. I've been a fan of his forever."

The store also held other events for its three-day grand opening celebration. Shoppers could win mystery gift cards, free athletic gear or a chance to open the DICK'S Sporting Goods Gift Locker. Bardzik said they've had shoppers come as early as 9 p.m. the night before to wait in line.

"We've had at least 200 every morning waiting in line for us to open the doors because we've had some giveaweays and that kind of thing every morning," Bardzik said.

Bardzik said the overall response for the new store from the community has been positive, and local residents are glad to have a DICK'S Sporting Goods close by.

"For the past few years, everyone from Chamberburg has had to go to Hagerstown to get their sporting good needs at DICK'S Sporting Goods," Bardzik said. "So, just having it here is very exciting."